Ventura: Sergeant Trapped After Suspect Rams Patrol Vehicle, Flees Scene

08.18.2020 | 2:14 AM | VENTURA – A repeat pursuit suspect rammed a patrol vehicle twice causing it to overturn and leaving a sheriff’s sergeant trapped inside, early Tuesday morning.

The unprovoked incident occurred near Los Angeles Avenue and County Drive around 2:14 AM when the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Frank Avalos of Oxnard, rear-ended the a patrol vehicle driven by a Ventura County Sheriff’s sergeant.

Police say the Avalos intentionally rammed the patrol vehicle, striking it twice and forcing it to overturn.

The sergeant inside the vehicle radioed for help and provided a detailed description of the suspect vehicle as it fled from the scene after the attack.

A short pursuit ensued when other deputies spotted the Avalos driving a vehicle matching the sergeant’s description.

Avalos was later taken into custody and charged with attempted murder of a police officer, DUI, and felony hit-and-run.

Avalos has fled from officers on two prior occasions in the preceding month but has been released both times.

The veteran sergeant who was injured in the crash had to be extricated and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The sergeant is expected to survive his injuries.

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